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Tips for Getting Thicker Hair

By Staff Writer
Share to PinterestTips for Getting Thicker Hair
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When it comes to hair, it seems like everybody wants what they don't have. But one almost universally-desired trait is volume; a lot of people wish for thicker, fuller hair. Whether you have thin, wispy strands or your hair looks dull and flat, there are options to increase your hair's thickness safely and naturally, without harming your precious locks.

01

Use olive oil

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Olive oil has so many benefits, many of which extend to hair as well. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil can be applied directly to the hair and scalp to generate the growth of thicker hair. It also soothes dry scalp and softens hair for touchable thick locks. Try olive oil hair treatment for yourself by warming it to body temperature before massaging into hair. Let it sit for at least half an hour and then rinse with shampoo. Some people opt to add honey as well, and others lock the oil in with a shower cap and leave overnight.

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02

Lift roots and add volume

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Many people pay a lot of attention to the overall length of their hair when they need to focus on their roots. It's amazing how some smart teasing can lift roots and create instant volume for a thicker look. Rattail or skinny combs are perfect for gently teasing the roots without too much of a messy look, while blow drying with a ceramic brush offers a similar thickening effect.

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03

Look for avocado products

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Avocado is a super fruit with so many health benefits, and it's an important ingredient in many trending hair treatments. Avocado-based hair products are popular for their moisturizing properties and rich vitamin E content. Avocado provides plenty of nutrients for the hair and scalp to encourage growth and thickness. You can shop the shelves for avocado hair products or make your own by combining one avocado with a tablespoon of olive oil. Apply to hair and scalp and let sit for half an hour before rinsing for the best results.

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04

Eat more eggs

Share to Pinteresteating eggs for thicker hair
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All the protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids in eggs are great for hair health. The body needs protein to grow thick hair, and eating more eggs helps, but egg treatments also make a difference. Even doing it once a week for a month may yield the results you're looking for. Try it at home by beating one or two eggs together and applying the mixture to damp hair, taking care to massage into the scalp. Leave for 30 minutes before shampooing in warm water.

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05

Choose the right cut

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You've got to work with what nature gave you, which means choosing a hair cut and style that complements your natural hair. Thin hair will weigh itself down if it's too long, resulting in flat-looking locks. A short or medium cut will give thin hair a lightweight bounce that creates the illusion of thickness and more volume. If your hair is a bit thicker, you can experiment with several lengths to find the right one.

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06

Use dry shampoo

Share to Pinterestdry shampoo for thick hair
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Dry shampoo is a girl's best friend. Not only does it soak up grease and oil to improve hair's appearance, but it also gives a big boost of volume to the roots. The best dry shampoos are full of minerals and starches that create friction and produce the desired volume. The more volume you have, the thicker your hair will seem, so bump up your dry shampoo use and see if you like the results.

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07

Try thickening shampoo and conditioner

Share to Pinterestshampoo and conditioner
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There are so many different shampoos and conditioners to choose from, but trying special thickening products could improve the way your hair looks and feels. These products offer a relatively affordable way of enhancing thickness and texture. Hairstylists recommend using matching shampoo and conditioner sets for double the nutrients and better results.

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08

Protect hair from heat

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Many fancy hairstyles require heat treatments, such as straightening or curling. Flat irons and curling irons can damage hair, which can result in broken strands and split ends that make hair appear thinner. Try cutting back on heat treatments and keeping your hair natural, and you may notice more thickness. Avoid overwashing and use heat protectant spray before styling to keep breakage to a minimum and reduce hair loss. The stronger your strands are, the thicker your hair will be. Plus, your hair will appreciate a break from all that heat.

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09

Try highlights or extensions

Share to Pinteresthair with highlights
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Highlights and extensions can give you the thicker-looking hair you're looking for. Highlighted hair has more dimension and depth, giving off the illusion of thick locks. Highlighted hair typically looks fuller compared to single-tone strands. Quality extensions can be on the expensive side, but essentially adding another layer of length to your hair may be the way to go if you're ready to top up the thickness.

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10

Visit a dermatologist

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Sometimes, at-home remedies or salon treatments may not be enough to give you the thick hair you want. If you notice serious thinning and nothing seems to help, it could be time to visit a dermatologist. Hair loss can be hereditary, while health issues and hormones can also lead to thinning hair. A professional medical diagnosis and treatments may be your key to success with thick, gorgeous hair.

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11

Keep your hair loose

Share to PinterestHair Beauty Model. Brunette Woman with Straight Hairstyle flying on Wind over Dark Beige. Young Smiling Girl with Smooth Skin Make up
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Tying up your hair into a bun puts tension on the strands, which can rob your hair of its body. Likewise, you can develop a problem from regularly braiding your hair, pulling it back from your hairline, or using accessories that tighten your style.

Ideally, let your hair flow freely or loosely tumble over your shoulders whenever possible. If you brush out your hair a lot, make sure you go easy and try not to pull on it too much. If you find a snag, gently work it out with a comb or your fingers.

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12

Consider using biotin

Share to PinterestBeauty Supplement. Closeup Of Smiling Black Woman Taking Vitamin Pill Capsule
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Biotin is another name for vitamin B7, which a lot of people use as a supplement to promote healthy hair, skin, and nails. While the studies showing that biotin can help hair grow out healthy and full aren't conclusive yet, it is a fact that vitamin B7 deficiency interferes with normal hair and nail growth.

Biotin supplements are available as scalp treatments, oral tablets, and in shampoos and conditioners.

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13

Protect your hair from the sun

Share to PinterestSmiling beautiful woman on beach with straw hat at sea
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Sunlight tends to break down the surface of hair cells and strip away individual strands' protective outer layers. Keeping the sun off of your hair is an easy step to reduce the damage this causes.

Try experimenting with hats and head scarves the next time you go outside. You can also try a fashionable parasol or another sunshade to protect your delicate hair and prevent frizzling.

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14

Think about collagen

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Collagen is a protein our bodies naturally make, and levels tend to fall as we get older. This has effects all over the body, but it's especially prominent in the way your skin and hair show signs of advancing age.

Collagen is available as a supplement from many pharmacies, and you can get quite a few hair treatments that use collagen to recharge the body and bounce. For the best results, try using shampoo and conditioner with added collagen. You can also treat your hair between washes with a collagen-based oil or another supplement.

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15

Avoid harsh chemicals

Share to Pinterestwoman using solid soap washing hair with shampoo bar
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All kinds of chemicals cause damage and drying that healthy hair is more resistant to. Many soaps, shampoos, and hair products, such as gel, mousse, and hair spray, use harsh cleansers or fixants that coat your hair follicles and damage the outer layers. Harsh chemical cleansers often strip away the protective oils your scalp secretes to protect hair, and anything that dries out the strands is likely to cause split ends.

Instead of using these chemicals, look into gentler shampoos and conditioners. Avoid hair products that use complex lists of chemicals, which might dry out or coat your hair, and try adjusting your wash and conditioning cycles to let your hair rest between exposure to the potentially damaging products. An occasional apple cider vinegar rinse can help with this, too.

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16

Get your sleep and exercise

Share to PinterestBeautiful fit young woman having a stretch in her home gym on the terrace
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Healthy habits affect more than your waistline. Good health also shows up in beautiful full hair that's full of body. Whatever your schedule looks like, make sure you're getting enough sleep and eating right. Take up low-impact exercise and try to get your heart rate up at least 30 minutes a day.

Over time, you'll not only feel better, but you'll also see improvements in all sorts of areas, like your hair and skin.

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17

Go for a silk or satin pillowcase

Share to PinterestWoman making bed with beautiful pink silk linens
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When people think about ways to get thicker hair, the subject of pillows rarely comes up for some reason. It should, since your hair spends around eight hours a day pressed into your pillowcase.

Steer clear of rough fabrics like cotton and linen here, and try out something softer and more forgiving. Silk pillowcases are nice if they're within your budget, but satin polyester has almost the same texture for a fraction of the cost. Both of these fabrics go easy on vulnerable hair, and they're definitely worth trying if you want to get the most body and thickness as you can.

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